Variety of pelargonium plant named ‘Pacra’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct flowering Pelargonium plant with abundant bright reddish-purple colored flowers

Botanical classification: Pelargonium crispum.

Varietal denomination: ‘Pacra’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Pelargonium crispum hybrid known by the varietal name ‘Pacra’. The new variety was discovered in a selected breeding program in Dresden, Germany. The new variety is the result of a cross between two unnamed and unpatented selections from a collection of proprietary breeding plants. The flower growth, habit and size of the new variety are similar to its parents but with different flower color. The new variety was first asexually reproduced in September 2002 by cuttings in Dresden, Germany. The new variety has been trial and field tested in Dresden and has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics and remain true to type through successive propagations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographic drawing illustrates the new variety, with the color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrations of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of the new cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics were collected by asexual reproductions by carried out in a warm greenhouse in Dresden, Germany. Plants were about 9 months old when described. The color readings were taken on a plant indoors under natural light. Color references are primarily to The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London.

PLANT

Form: Cascading when plant is older.

Height: 15 cm from soil to top of foliage; 20 cm from soil to top of umbels.

Diameter: 45 cm.

Growth: Erect, well-branched.

Strength: Does not require artificial support; self-standing.

Foliage: No zonation.

Time to develop roots: 4 weeks.

Time to produce a flowering plant: 3 months.

Description of roots: White; adventive.

Leaves:

Size.—Length: Approximately 2.5 cm. Width: Approximately 4 cm.

Shape.—Overall: Transverse, maple leaf like. Base: Open. Apex: Pointed.

Margin.—Bi-serrate.

Texture.—Hairy.

Color.—Upper surface: 137A. Lower surface: 137B.

Ribs and veins.—Venation: Net-like. Color: 137C.

Petioles:

Color.—137C.

Length.—Approximately 1.5 cm.

Stem:

Length.—12-14 cm.

Color.—144A.

Internode length.—1-2 cm.

Lateral branch length.—5-7 cm.

THE BUD (Measurements taken just prior to opening)

Shape:

Individual bud.—Shell-shaped.

Size:

Cluster.—Approximately 1.3×2 cm.

Individual bud.—Approximately 0.5-0.8 cm.

Color: 146B.

INFLORESCENCE

Blooming habit: Umbels.

Umbel size:

Width.—Approximately 4.5×2.3 cm.

Depth.—Approximately 2.5 cm.

Borne: Umbel; flowers on pedicel; pedicel on peduncle.

Number of flowers per umbel: 3-4.

Flowers:

Form.—Single.

Size.—Diameter: Approximately 2 cm. Depth: Approximately 1.5 cm.

Petals.—Number per flower: 5. Color: Upper surface: Upper petals: 59A. Lower petals: 68D. Lower surface: Upper petals: 59A. Lower petals: 57C. Eye: 61A; seen from upper surface. Shape: Overall: Round to oval; a bit teardrop-shaped. Apex: Round; not pointed. Base: Pointed. Size: Length: 1.3-1.7 cm. Width: 1.2-1.6 cm. Margin: Entire. Texture: Smooth. Tonality from a distance: Distinguishable bi-colored flowers.

Sepals:

Color.—Upper surface: 143B. Lower surface: 144A.

Shape.—Overall: Pointed; narrow. Apex: Pointed. Base: Wider and not pointed.

Margin.—Entire.

Size.—Length: Approximately 0.8 cm. Width: Approximately 0.4 cm.

Pedicel:

Length.—Approximately 1.1 cm.

Color.—144A, with a hint of red 177A.

Peduncle:

Length.—3-4 cm.

Color.—137B.

Disease/pest resistance: No susceptibility to diseases or pests has been noted to date.

Flowering season: Spring through summer.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Stamens:

Anthers.—1 mm long.

Filaments.—Length: 6 mm. Color: White.

Pollen.—Orange.

Pistils:

Number.—One.

Length.—8 mm.

Stigma color.—64A.

Style.—Length: 4 mm. Color: 142A.

Ovaries.—Superior; hairy; 2 mm long; 142B.

Seeds: Rarely present.

Amount.—5 per flower maximum.

Size.—0.3-0.4 cm.

Color.—Brown.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

‘Pacra’ has the following general characteristics.

1. Compact growth; cascading with age.

2. Able to cultivate in small pots.

3. Beautiful, bi-colored flowers.

4. High cutting yield.

5. Good branching.

6. Abundant flowers. 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Pelargonium plant substantially as shown and described. 